My husband and I will be arriving in Calgary the 3rd week of August and neither one of us has ever been there before. We are coming on business, so our hotel has already been taken care of. What we really need is some great, restaurants where the LOCALS go. Good food, good prices, and if possible great views. My husband loves salmon and game meats. I like good desserts.

Also, is there any one that can tell us where a good place to rock hunt might be not too far from Calgary. Like a river bed, or wherever. We won't have too much time but we are going to Banff on Saturday and did not know if they have rock hunting possibilities there. Thank you for any help.

Banff is a National Park, ergo you arent allowed to take anything from it, including rocks.

Places to eat in Calgary - River Cafe on Prince's Island; Teatros; Muriettas; Villa Firenza. The only one offering a "great view" is River Cafe as it is situated along the river bank; if you want a really great view you have to go to the top of the Calgary Tower but you won't get "good food". As far as "good prices" - as long as your definition of good is in the high range, then these restaurants will fill your needs.

There is a restaurant in the southeast part of the city called The Inn on Lake Bonavista that is beautiful. The food is excellent! They have great game meat and seafood dishes, and the restaurant is situated on a manmade lake. Ask for a table by the window; or if it's nice, sit out on their patio. My husband and I go there for our celebratory dinners. They just renovated and we haven't seen it yet, can't wait to go back again. It is quite far from downtown (assming that's where your hotel is), so if you have a rental car, check it out.

I would also recommend La Caille on the Bow. Just on the western edge of downtown Calgary with a lovely view of the river.